Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) vary from mild to severe and debilitating. In some, only one part of the body—for example, the skin—is affected. In others, many parts of the body are affected. Each case is unique in the combination of symptoms that it produces. Symptoms usually flare up and subside intermittently though symptoms of SLE can be chronic in some. SLE may cause:

SLE Complications

Over time SLE can lead to complications, such as:

Kidney disease—Chronic inflammation can damage of structures in the kidney. Damage prevents the kidneys from working properly.

Cardiovascular disorders—Inflammation can affect tissue of the blood vessels, heart, and heart valves. The inflammation and long term tissue damage can contribute to a variety of cardiovascular conditions, such as
high blood pressure,
heart failure,
heart attack, or
stroke.

Respiratory problems—Chronic inflammation can eventually damage and scar the tissue of the lungs or the lining around the lungs. Damaged lung tissue makes it more difficult to get oxygen into the blood and cause chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Blood disorders—Inflammation can also lead to damage of individual blood cells and lead to
anemia,
thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, or an increased risk of blood clots (which can lead to heart attack or stroke).

SLE may also cause complications during pregnancy. There may be a flare-up of symptoms, development of kidney problems, or
a dangerous high blood pressure called
pre-eclampsia. There is also an increased risk of
premature birth
,
stillbirth
,
miscarriage, or growth problems with the baby during pregnancy.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Lupus. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Lupus/default.asp. Updated February 2015. Accessed May 17, 2016.